Student Life
Setting Up Power, Internet and Mobile in Australia: 2026 Student Guide
Which electricity retailer to pick, how NBN speed tiers actually compare, the cheapest prepaid mobile plans for students, and what each service really costs per month in 2026.
Published 2026-07-12 · 9 min read
You have signed a lease. Now you have about 72 hours before you realise the lights, the internet and your phone plan are all your problem.
Here is the order to do it in, and what each thing should cost in 2026.
Day 1: Mobile
Australia has three networks — Telstra, Optus and TPG/Vodafone — and dozens of smaller providers (MVNOs) that resell the same towers for much less.
| Provider | Network | Typical monthly | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amaysim | Optus | $22 | 40 GB |
| Boost Mobile | Telstra (full network) | $27 | 50 GB |
| Kogan Mobile | Vodafone | $19 | 40 GB |
| Belong | Telstra | $25 | 45 GB |
| Telstra postpaid | Telstra | $62+ | 50 GB |
Boost Mobile is the value pick if you travel regionally, because it is the only reseller with full Telstra coverage. In cities, any Optus or Vodafone reseller is fine and $15–$25 cheaper.
Buy a prepaid starter SIM at any supermarket, 7-Eleven or the airport, and activate online with your passport. You do not need an Australian address or bank account for prepaid.
Avoid 24-month postpaid contracts in your first year — you cannot exit them cheaply if you move city or go home.
Day 2: Electricity and Gas
Australia has a deregulated energy market, meaning the retailer you choose changes your bill by 20–30% for identical power.
Steps:
- Go to the government comparison site Energy Made Easy (or Victorian Energy Compare in Victoria). These are free, government-run, and do not take commission.
- Enter your postcode and estimated usage. A student sharehouse of 3 people is usually 12–16 kWh/day.
- Pick a plan with no exit fees, and check whether the "discount" is conditional on paying on time.
- Call or sign up online. You need your address, ID and a move-in date.
Connection takes 1–3 business days and there is usually a $0–$60 connection fee.
Typical costs in 2026, per person in a 3-person share:
- Electricity: $40–$70/month
- Gas (if connected): $20–$35/month
- Water usage: $15–$25/month (supply charges are the landlord's)
Cut bills fast: use the cold cycle on the washing machine, heat one room instead of the house, run the dishwasher only when full, and switch to LED globes if the landlord has not.
Day 3: Internet
Home internet in Australia is delivered over the NBN. You buy the plan from a retailer, but the underlying line is the same.
| Speed tier | Typical monthly | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| NBN 25 | $55 – $65 | 1–2 people, browsing and streaming |
| NBN 50 | $70 – $80 | 3 people, video calls and HD streaming |
| NBN 100 | $85 – $99 | 4+ people, gaming, 4K |
For a student sharehouse of three, NBN 50 is the sweet spot. Choose a month-to-month plan with no contract — you will move.
Retailers worth comparing: Superloop, Leaptel, Aussie Broadband, Exetel, Tangerine, More. The big brands (Telstra, Optus) are typically $15–$25/month more for the same line.
Installation can take 1–3 weeks if the property has never been connected. Two workarounds while you wait:
- A home wireless 5G plan (Optus, Telstra, TPG) — $50–$65/month, unlimited data, arrives in the post and plugs into a power point
- Tethering from your phone plan for a few weeks
Ask the previous tenant or the agent whether the property already has an active NBN connection point — if yes, activation is usually same-day.
Streaming and Extras Worth Knowing
- Most retailers offer student discounts on streaming (Spotify Premium Student $6.99/month, Apple Music Student $6.49, YouTube Premium Student $12.99) — you verify with your student email through UNiDAYS or SheerID.
- Free-to-air TV apps (ABC iview, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now, 10 Play) are completely free and legal.
- Public libraries give free access to Kanopy films, ebooks and often free wifi and study rooms — a library card is free with proof of address.
Monthly Utilities Budget: Realistic Numbers
For one student in a 3-bedroom share, mid-2026:
| Item | Per month |
|---|---|
| Mobile | $22 |
| Share of internet | $25 |
| Share of electricity | $55 |
| Share of gas | $25 |
| Share of water usage | $20 |
| Total | $147 |
Add roughly $30/month if you live alone-ish in a studio, since fixed supply charges are not split.
Before You Move Out
- Give your energy retailer 3 business days notice and a final meter reading date.
- Cancel or transfer the NBN plan — most are month-to-month but need notice.
- Take a photo of the final meter reading. It is your only defence against a wrong final bill.
Related Reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest mobile plan for international students in Australia in 2026?
Resellers on the major networks are cheapest: Kogan Mobile from about $19 per month for 40 GB on Vodafone, Amaysim around $22 on Optus, and Boost Mobile around $27 with full Telstra coverage. Prepaid SIMs need only a passport to activate.
How much does electricity cost for a student in Australia?
In a three-person sharehouse, expect $40 to $70 per person per month for electricity and $20 to $35 for gas. Compare retailers on the government sites Energy Made Easy or Victorian Energy Compare, which can cut bills 20 to 30%.
Which NBN speed should students choose?
NBN 50 at roughly $70 to $80 per month suits a three-person sharehouse with video calls and HD streaming. NBN 25 is enough for one or two people. Always pick a month-to-month plan with no contract because students move often.
What can I do if NBN installation takes weeks?
Use a home wireless 5G plan from Optus, Telstra or TPG for $50 to $65 per month with unlimited data. It arrives by post and plugs into a power point, so there is no technician visit and no installation delay.
How much should international students budget for utilities per month?
About $147 per month per person in a three-bedroom share in 2026: $22 mobile, $25 internet share, $55 electricity, $25 gas and $20 water usage. Living alone adds roughly $30 because fixed supply charges are not split.